<div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12pt">Dear MASTA Members,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Our state chapter has money set aside to offer grants to support special programs and teacher professional development. The next grant application deadline is coming up on Wednesday, April 1. This grant cycle is for events that take place between June 1 and September 30, 2026.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Program Grants (up to $500) assist string programs in providing instruction or other enhancement activities - clinics, artists in residency, special projects, etc. These grants are generally not awarded toward the purchase of supplies or equipment.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Professional Development Grants (up to $250) help individuals pursue education or training that will enhance their string playing and/or teaching.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Visit <a href="https://astamichigan.org/programs/masta-outreach/" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://astamichigan.org/programs/</span><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration-line:none">masta</span><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">-outreach/</span></a> to apply or for more information.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">CONGRATULATIONS to last cycle's grant recipients:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u>Program Grants</u><br>Detroit Suzuki Academy<br>Grand Haven Lakeshore Middle School<br>Jenison Public Schools<br>Marquette County String Orchestra Society<br>MSU ASTA Student Chapter<br>Northville Public Schools<br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u>PD Grants</u><br>Julie Huggler (Grand Blanc Public Schools)<br>Jami Kleinert (Rochester Public Schools)<br>Ingrid Pylvanian (Traverse City Area Public Schools)<br>Johanne Ray-Hepp (Northville Public Schools)<br><span style="font-size:12pt">Andrea Yun (private Suzuki teacher)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Questions? Contact:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:13.8pt;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Joanna Van Eizenga, Outreach Chair<br>(989) 614-1141<br><a href="mailto:joanna.bozin@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">joanna.bozin@gmail.com</span></a></p></div>